How do take an already excellent ratcheting combination wrench and make it even better? Add a flexible joint! We got our hands on the Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Ratcheting Flex Head Wrench Set to see how it compares to the dual-ratcheting wrenches we fell in love with.
Pros
- Ratcheting closed end
- Slim profile fits into tight spots
- Flexible head pivtots around obstacles
- Smooth chrome finish cleans up easily
Cons
- 6-piece set could use a few more options to cover common sizes
Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench Design
Handle
Wurth starts with a fundamentally sound design that our resident gearheads like. It starts with a smooth chrome shaft for the handle. They clean up easily with a wipe from your shop towel and the etching isn’t so deep that it collects grease.
The wrench’s straight, thin design is also easy to grip and rounded enough to keep them from digging uncomfortably into your hand when you need to put more torque into a nut or bolt. In terms of length, even the smallest 8mm size is long enough for me to completely wrap my hand around if I need to.
Open End
The dual-ratcheting wrenches we reviewed before have an innovative ratcheting open end. Wurth sticks with a classic 15° offset open end on these, though.
Closed End
The closed end features a 12-point single-direction ratcheting action. To go from tightening to loosening, just flip the wrench over. Some people ask us why they don’t just have a direction switch like socket wrenches do. While that would be more convenient, it would add a bit more width and an extra moving part to the system. By sticking with a single-direction design, the wrench is thinner and we don’t have to worry about breaking the extra piece off if the wrench slips.
The top and sides are also agreeably thin. This gives you better access than some of the chunky designs out there.
Then there’s the flexible joint—or flex head. The joint pivots a little over 90° in both directions, giving you a wide range to work with. If this is your first set of flex head wrenches, you might be surprised by the stiffness in the joint. That’s a good thing, though. It’s not so much that’s it’s difficult to overcome, but it is stiff enough to keep from flopping around while you’re trying to fit it to a bolt a turn it.
Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench Price
At the time we’re writing, the 6-piece wrench set we’re reviewing runs $102 and includes 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 17mm, and 19mm sizes. Individual prices currently run $14.50 (8mm) to $42.00 (25mm). There’s also a 15-piece set that covers 8mm to 24mm for $240.
Keep your eyes open on Wurth’s website for the sales they run throughout the year, too!
The Bottom Line
The comfort and easy cleanup of Wurth’s handle design, the convenience of a ratcheting closed end, and the versatility of a flex head. That’s what you get with Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Ratcheting Flex Head Wrenches. While we still use our dual-ratchet Wurth Zebra PowerDriv wrenches for most of our wrench work, these are an excellent supplement when a flexible head is critical to getting the job done right.
